Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I've never attended an ILA conference. What should I expect?

Expect to be inspired, engaged, and energized!

Although the speakers and sessions change every year, you can always look forward to quality professional learning that's personally fulfilling for each attendee. Registration provides access to hundreds of educational sessions by literacy leaders, admission to the ILA General Session, and entry to the Exhibit Hall. You'll also have a chance to connect with thousands of educators and literacy professionals from around the globe and get your books signed by your favorite authors. When we say it will be "unforgettable," we absolutely mean it!

Who should attend the ILA 2018 Conference?

Anyone who is passionate about global literacy and literacy learning should attend. ILA welcomes members and nonmembers from every part of the world, including classroom teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, college/university faculty, school administrators, librarians, and undergraduate preservice teachers. Let's put it this way: If you're reading this and are thankful for the boundless opportunities that literacy provides and are interested in the ways you can help transform the lives of others through literacy, we think you should attend.

Developing Economy Members, Student Members, and Emeritus Members also receive a special conference registration discount. To take advantage of this special discount, you must meet membership eligibility requirements and sign up before registering for ILA 2018 to ensure that the correct fees are calculated during registration. Click here for additional information on these special membership categories.

I work in a low-income area or have been affected by a recent natural disaster. Am I eligible to apply for support to attend ILA 2018?

Yes, if you work in a low-income area or have been affected by a recent natural disaster, you are eligible to apply for the ILA Conference Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn more.

Need ADA assistance?

Mobility Equipment: The Austin Convention Center has a limited number of scooters available for rent on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a scooter, please visit the area of the convention center next to the Business Center on Trinity Street and provide a $50 refundable deposit. If you require a manual wheelchair, which must be ordered ahead of time, please email pdimaio@reading.org by Monday, July 9, 2018.

American Sign Language interpreters: If you require an American Sign Language Interpreter, please email pdimaio@reading.org by Friday, May 25, 2018. You'll also need to email your schedule using the ILA 2018 Conference iPlanner, as our contracted interpreting company requires a tentative schedule before securing two certified ASL interpreters per registrant. Unfortunately, on-site requests cannot be guaranteed.

Other Special Services: If you require other special services as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please let pdimaio@reading.org know by Friday, June 22, 2018, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I bring my child to the conference?

Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to attend ILA 2018 Conference sessions unless they are presenting or participating in an approved conference program offering that is specifically designated for minors. Minors under the age of 18 will only be admitted to the Exhibit Hall with a wristband (provided after receipt of a completed liability waiver).

ILA reserves the right to refuse admittance to any attendee, exhibitor, vendor, presenter, visitor, or guest who brings a minor with him or her without our prior written consent.

Does ILA provide a letter of attendance for conference participants?

Yes. Two weeks after the conference, ILA will email a letter of attendance to all checked-in attendees. The letter will include the conference categories that the attendee selected during the ILA 2018 registration process, as well as the number of Clock Hours earned for each category.